Grades: Students and parents have access to grades via Progress Book. Your grade will be determined by a weighted point scale. This means that every assignment, quiz, test & project will impact your grade. Letter grades will be assigned according to the district grading scale and guidelines below. Keep your Progressbook information in order to check your grade.
Labs/Activities/Projects (20%):
In physical science we will do many short activities to illustrate concepts we are learning about in class. These activities are not designed to waste time or frustrate students but to help them discover concepts with the through trial and error, guidance of procedures and teachers instructions. If time permits students will participate in peer teaching, group presentations and making videos / books to illustrate concepts.
Quizzes (20%):
Most quizzes will be short and unannounced (entrance and exit quizzes)– normally given one to two times a week to help students stay current on material. If a student misses an EQ quiz and they have an excused absence, an exemption will result. If the absence is unexcused, a zero will result. If a student is absent for a larger quiz they will be responsible for taking the quiz upon their return and must show an admit slip reflecting an excused absence to receive points.
Tests (50%):
will be given at the end of a large topic or a group of smaller topics. The format for tests will vary but will consist of fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, true/false, short answer and/or extended response. Test corrections will not be available to students, so it is essential that they prepare in advanced for assessments.
Homework (10%):
All assignments are due at the beginning of class the next day (unless another date is given). Assignments should be completed in pencil or blue/black ink only. Legibility is expected.
Assignments may be collected and graded for accuracy, collected and checked for completion assignment or spot-checked for completion, completion assignments will be graded for full completion (i.e. assignments that are completely done receive all of the points, incomplete but over halfway complete will receive half credit and less than fully completed assignments will not receive any points)
LATE HOMEWORK will receive half credit. Homework is checked for completeness periodically but homework is practice for larger assessments. If a student is absent, he/she may check the make-up crate for assignments from the previous day(s) and receive credit by turning that assignment in the next day with an excused absence & admit slip. Any work that was assigned before you were absent (& due while you were absent) is due the day you return - this includes being ready for tests & quizzes! So, if you’re absent & miss a quiz or test, I will expect you take the quiz or test during your study hall on the day you return to school (unless you have an extended absence or special circumstances). All papers are kept on file for 2 weeks (the current week and previous week). It is up to the student to get any notes or work missed from the crate!
DAILY HOMEWORK: You should spend 10 minutes every day reviewing your notes. When you are done reviewing your notes, write down what is still “muddy” and come to class with clarifying questions or come for extra help before or after school. This assignment will not be placed on the Progressbook as it a daily assignment regardless of what topic we are covering.
Freebie Pass: You will be given Freebie Passes at the beginning of each quarter. You may choose to use your passes in one of 3 ways: as a locker pass, as a bathroom pass or as a homework pass. Passes not used at the end of each quarter may be turned in for 3 bonus points each in the quiz section of that quarter’s grade. Passes are non-transferable, are not replaceable it lost & expire on the last day of the quarter.
Homework Pass: Allows you to turn in one assignment, one day late without penalty. This pass DOES NOT EXCUSE you from doing the assignment.
Bathroom/Locker Pass: I do NOT write passes for you to go to the restroom or your locker unless there is an emergency or extenuating circumstances – forgetting your homework does not count! Use your passes wisely.
Textbook: Pearson Physical Science
Notebooks: Students should have a three-ring binder in which they keep their work. The notebook is to have a tab in the binder for: 1. Notes, 2.Homework, 3. Activities, 4. Quizzes and Tests and 5. Other. There will be notebook checks throughout the year and will be worth homework points.
Safety: Safety is of the up most importance. Therefore, failure to follow ANY rule could result in administrative referral as well as the following actions – 1) A zero for that lab. 2) Removal from lab for the remainder of the year. You may acquire data from another classmate so that you can complete the questions but you will not be permitted back into the lab area to work.
Group Learning: You will be working in groups or in pairs for many of the activities in this course. Your participation in these learning groups will depend heavily on your behavior both in & out of the group. For the learning to take place in these groups, participation is essential from all members. Excessive absences or the inability to work in a group setting will be reflected in your grade. Inappropriate behavior will result in the loss of lab or group work privileges.
Cheating, Copying & Plagiarism: All work you turn in should be your own – your thoughts, your ideas, your sentences & words. Copying another person’s work does not help you learn or understand & such plagiarism is illegal! Anyone found cheating, copying or plagiarizing will receive a zero for the work in question. If a project, test or quiz is involved; a zero will be given for the entire assignment. Letting your friends copy will not help them or you. You will both be held responsible & be given zeros for the work.
General Information about Mrs. Ellis:
I was born and raised in Dublin, Ohio. I went through Dublin City Schools for my K - 12 education. I currently live in Delaware, Ohio with my husband Mr. Ellis who also teaches science here at Scioto. We have one dog (Kalou), one cat (Nala), and seven hens. My positions at DSHS currently include teaching Physical Science & Chemistry and I am a co-advisor for freshman cabinet. Outside of school, I love to be active doing things such as: rock climbing, kayaking (mostly flat water), biking and working in the yard. Last year I heard many students mention that there is nothing to do around Dublin, so below are some ideas for fun things to do - be sure to check out the links and if you need anymore ideas just ask!
Educational Background
Dublin Coffman HS (2005)
The Ohio State University (2009)
Bachelor of Science: Biology Major
Ashland University (2012)
Integrated science teaching license
Fun ideas for things to do
ADVENTURE:
Check out a local park - great for park walking, running, dog walking etc
Alum creek state park - spend a day at the "beach", go for a paddle (bring your own boat and gear), mountain bike (bring your own bike and gear) or hike. Grab a pizza form Cheshire Market (it may look like a hole in the wall but it is excellent!) http://www.pizzarestaurantgalenaohio.com/
Take a day trip to an Ohio Park/location - pack a picnic and make it an all day event
Hocking Hills State Park - hike around old mans cave and ash cave, camp out at Burr Oak State Park or Lake Hope, hike around at Strouds Run or canoe the Hocking River (equipment available to rent)! http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/hockinghills http://www.hockingriver.com/
Franklin Park Conservatory - be sure to go during a time when the butterflies are released http://www.fpconservatory.org/
Take a Weekend trip - camp out - and adventure!
Nelson Rock Preserve- The Via Ferrata at Nelson Rock Preserve - an extremely fun, no experience neccessary activity - enjoy beautiful views while climbing up, down and across two fins of Seneca's finest rock (guided - equipment available for rent - groups of 14 can go at once) http://www.nelsonrocks.org/
1 cup toasted walnuts (to toast walnuts: bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes)
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 large, fresh basil leaves
3-5 cups arugula or baby spinach
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions:
Marinate chicken breasts in Italian dressing for 2-plus hours. Grill chicken, cool and cut into bite sized strips.
Cook orzo pasta according to directions. Spread strained pasta onto a cookie sheet so it can cool completely. Drizzle and mix 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil onto pasta to prevent it from sticking together.
Chop walnuts into large pieces.
Lightly chop basil leaves.
Once pasta is cooled, mix all remaining ingredients (including ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil) together in a large bowl and stir.
Topics and Class Objectives --
Grades:
Students and parents have access to grades via Progress Book. Your grade will be determined by a weighted point scale. This means that every assignment, quiz, test & project will impact your grade. Letter grades will be assigned according to the district grading scale and guidelines below. Keep your Progressbook information in order to check your grade.
Labs/Activities/Projects (20%):
In physical science we will do many short activities to illustrate concepts we are learning about in class. These activities are not designed to waste time or frustrate students but to help them discover concepts with the through trial and error, guidance of procedures and teachers instructions. If time permits students will participate in peer teaching, group presentations and making videos / books to illustrate concepts.Quizzes (20%):
Most quizzes will be short and unannounced (entrance and exit quizzes)– normally given one to two times a week to help students stay current on material. If a student misses an EQ quiz and they have an excused absence, an exemption will result. If the absence is unexcused, a zero will result. If a student is absent for a larger quiz they will be responsible for taking the quiz upon their return and must show an admit slip reflecting an excused absence to receive points.Tests (50%):
will be given at the end of a large topic or a group of smaller topics. The format for tests will vary but will consist of fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, true/false, short answer and/or extended response. Test corrections will not be available to students, so it is essential that they prepare in advanced for assessments.Homework (10%):
All assignments are due at the beginning of class the next day (unless another date is given). Assignments should be completed in pencil or blue/black ink only. Legibility is expected.Assignments may be collected and graded for accuracy, collected and checked for completion assignment or spot-checked for completion, completion assignments will be graded for full completion (i.e. assignments that are completely done receive all of the points, incomplete but over halfway complete will receive half credit and less than fully completed assignments will not receive any points)
LATE HOMEWORK will receive half credit. Homework is checked for completeness periodically but homework is practice for larger assessments. If a student is absent, he/she may check the make-up crate for assignments from the previous day(s) and receive credit by turning that assignment in the next day with an excused absence & admit slip. Any work that was assigned before you were absent (& due while you were absent) is due the day you return - this includes being ready for tests & quizzes! So, if you’re absent & miss a quiz or test, I will expect you take the quiz or test during your study hall on the day you return to school (unless you have an extended absence or special circumstances). All papers are kept on file for 2 weeks (the current week and previous week). It is up to the student to get any notes or work missed from the crate!
DAILY HOMEWORK: You should spend 10 minutes every day reviewing your notes. When you are done reviewing your notes, write down what is still “muddy” and come to class with clarifying questions or come for extra help before or after school. This assignment will not be placed on the Progressbook as it a daily assignment regardless of what topic we are covering.
Freebie Pass:
You will be given Freebie Passes at the beginning of each quarter. You may choose to use your passes in one of 3 ways: as a locker pass, as a bathroom pass or as a homework pass. Passes not used at the end of each quarter may be turned in for 3 bonus points each in the quiz section of that quarter’s grade. Passes are non-transferable, are not replaceable it lost & expire on the last day of the quarter.
Homework Pass: Allows you to turn in one assignment, one day late without penalty. This pass DOES NOT EXCUSE you from doing the assignment.
Bathroom/Locker Pass: I do NOT write passes for you to go to the restroom or your locker unless there is an emergency or extenuating circumstances – forgetting your homework does not count! Use your passes wisely.
Textbook: Pearson Physical Science
Notebooks:
Students should have a three-ring binder in which they keep their work. The notebook is to have a tab in the binder for: 1. Notes, 2.Homework, 3. Activities, 4. Quizzes and Tests and 5. Other. There will be notebook checks throughout the year and will be worth homework points.
Safety:
Safety is of the up most importance. Therefore, failure to follow ANY rule could result in administrative referral as well as the following actions –
1) A zero for that lab.
2) Removal from lab for the remainder of the year. You may acquire data from another classmate so that you can complete the questions but you will not be permitted back into the lab area to work.
Group Learning: You will be working in groups or in pairs for many of the activities in this course. Your participation in these learning groups will depend heavily on your behavior both in & out of the group. For the learning to take place in these groups, participation is essential from all members. Excessive absences or the inability to work in a group setting will be reflected in your grade. Inappropriate behavior will result in the loss of lab or group work privileges.
Cheating, Copying & Plagiarism: All work you turn in should be your own – your thoughts, your ideas, your sentences & words. Copying another person’s work does not help you learn or understand & such plagiarism is illegal! Anyone found cheating, copying or plagiarizing will receive a zero for the work in question. If a project, test or quiz is involved; a zero will be given for the entire assignment. Letting your friends copy will not help them or you. You will both be held responsible & be given zeros for the work.
General Information about Mrs. Ellis:
I was born and raised in Dublin, Ohio. I went through Dublin City Schools for my K - 12 education. I currently live in Delaware, Ohio with my husband Mr. Ellis who also teaches science here at Scioto. We have one dog (Kalou), one cat (Nala), and seven hens. My positions at DSHS currently include teaching Physical Science & Chemistry and I am a co-advisor for freshman cabinet. Outside of school, I love to be active doing things such as: rock climbing, kayaking (mostly flat water), biking and working in the yard. Last year I heard many students mention that there is nothing to do around Dublin, so below are some ideas for fun things to do - be sure to check out the links and if you need anymore ideas just ask!Educational Background
Fun ideas for things to do
ADVENTURE:
Check out a local park - great for park walking, running, dog walking etc
Powell parks (map and park names included in PDF)
Emily Traphagen Preserve (off of Seldom Seen)-
http://www.jameswiese.com/PreservationParksSite/_emily_traphagen_char_mor_.html
Indian Run Falls - head down to old dublin to hit startbucks or the library and then walk over to check out the falls! If it is nice go creeking.
http://dublinohiousa.gov/parks-open-space/indian-run-falls/
Glacier Ridge Metro Park - enjoy some free frisbee golf (Bring your own disc), run, bike ride or check out the wetlands.
http://www.metroparks.net/parksglacierridge.aspx
Highbanks Metro Park -
http://www.metroparks.net/ParksHighbanks.aspx
Griggs Reservoir Frisbee Golf-
http://www.discgolfcolumbus.com/courses/griggs.htm
Scioto Audobon metro park - boulder around on the outdoor rock wall, take your own gear and top rope or lead climb!
http://www.metroparks.net/parkssciotoaudubon.aspx
Alum creek state park - spend a day at the "beach", go for a paddle (bring your own boat and gear), mountain bike (bring your own bike and gear) or hike. Grab a pizza form Cheshire Market (it may look like a hole in the wall but it is excellent!)
http://www.pizzarestaurantgalenaohio.com/
Columbus Park of Roses- check out the rose garden - take a picnic to enjoy while you're there
http://www.parkofroses.org/
Columbus Museum of Art (free on Sundays):
http://www.columbusmuseum.org/
Trapper Johns Canoe Livery- paddle the Big Darby - (equipment available to rent)
http://trapperjohnscanoeing.com/
Lynds Fruit Farm - pick apples in the fall
http://www.lyndfruitfarm.com/
Jacqumin Farms - pick your own fruit, veggies and pumpking (seasonal)
http://www.jacqueminfarms.com/fall_field_days.php
Take a day trip to an Ohio Park/location - pack a picnic and make it an all day event
Hocking Hills State Park - hike around old mans cave and ash cave, camp out at Burr Oak State Park or Lake Hope, hike around at Strouds Run or canoe the Hocking River (equipment available to rent)!
http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/hockinghills
http://www.hockingriver.com/
John Bryan State Park - hike around, climb (bring your own gear) or paddle the Little Miami River! Be sure to stop in Yellow Springs for a bite to eat and check out the shops, the wright patterson air force base is just down the street, check it out FOR FREE!
http://www.johnbryan.org/
http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/
http://www.littlemiamicanoe.com/
Mohican State Park - hike, camp or paddle! Dare to attempt the ~25 mile mountain bike trail!
http://www.mohicanstatepark.org/
http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/960984
Put In Bay - take the jet express from East Harbor State Park - where you should camp - to the island, bike around, visit the bakery and for dessert grab some ice cream! Be sure to stop by Mon Ami Resturant on your way home for Sunday Brunch!
http://visitputinbay.com/pib/
http://www.eastharborstatepark.org/
http://www.monamiwinery.com/
Mad River Mountain- hit the slopes on a board, skis or a tube!
http://skimadriver.com
Snow Trails - hit the slopes on a board, skis or a tube!http://www.snowtrails.com/
Horse back ride at Marmon Valley -
http://www.marmonvalley.com/
Splatter Park or Battlezone paintballing - be sure to layer up
http://www.splatterparkohio.com/
http://www.battlezonepaintballpark.com/
Franklin Park Conservatory - be sure to go during a time when the butterflies are released
http://www.fpconservatory.org/
Take a Weekend trip - camp out - and adventure!
Nelson Rock Preserve-The Via Ferrata at Nelson Rock Preserve - an extremely fun, no experience neccessary activity - enjoy beautiful views while climbing up, down and across two fins of Seneca's finest rock (guided - equipment available for rent - groups of 14 can go at once)
http://www.nelsonrocks.org/
New River Groge - enjoy hiking, climbing (bring your own equipment) or white water rafting - look out for groupons for white water rafting - you can get good deals - be sure to choose a trip that meets your adventure needs! The Fall Upper Gauley trip includes class 5 rapids and will be the wildest ride - and the most dangerous - must be 15 or older!
http://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm
http://www.rivermen.com/
http://www.aceraft.com/
http://www.wvaraft.com/new-river-trips.html
Red River Gorge - hike, camp and climb (bring your own gear) and be sure to stop by Miguel's for some pizza!
There are a lot of really cool areas in the Gorge, if you need some ideas of where to pitch a tent - just ask !
http://www.redrivergorge.com/
http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/red_river_gorge.htm
http://www.miguelspizza.com/
Climb indoors
Vertical Adventures - take advantage of great bouldering problems, top rope or learn to lead climb! Take advantage of their ninja warrior days!http://www.verticaladventuresohio.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WarnkyWarriors
Liftetime Fitness Dublin -
https://www.lifetimefitness.com/en/clubs/dublin-oh/your-lt.html
Vertical Reality - learn to rappel and climb
http://www.verticalrealitytrainingcenter.com/
COOK-BAKE-Throw together-
Roll your own Sushi -How to make a roll: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/02/sushi-101-how-to-make-sushi-rolls/
How to make the rice: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/01/perfect-sushi-rice/
Almond crusted talapia over veggies:
http://www.sippitysup.com/tilapia-pan-fried-and-gluten-free/
Chicken - garlic honey double crunch chicken:
http://www.nlrockrecipes.com/2012/04/doube-crunch-honey-garic-chicken.html
Almond crusted chicken fingers:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/almond_crusted_chicken_fingers.html
Balsalmic marinade chicken:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/balsamic_marinated_chicken.html
Chipotle chicken bowl:
http://thedomesticman.com/2012/10/16/chipotles-chicken-burrito-bowl/
Spinach mushroom alfredo:
http://eclecticrecipes.com/mushroom-spinach-alfredo
Black bean and corn quesidillas:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/black-bean-and-corn-quesadillas/detail.aspx?src=VD_Summary
Chicken and waffles ( have some hot sauce handy ):
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chicken-and-waffles-recipe.html
Sweet potato ravioli (roll the noodle dough REALLY thin!!!):
http://www.reclaimingprovincial.com/2011/09/01/sweet-potato-roasted-chili-chevre-ravioli/
Veggie Pizza:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/veggie-pizza/
No bake cookies:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/no-bake-cookies-i/
andes mint cookies:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-mint-candies-cookies/
Reese brownies:
https://www.hersheys.com/reeses/recipes/recipes-category.aspx?category=brownies
Breakfast casserole:
http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/pork/holiday-breakfast-bake-2.html
Delicious grilled veggies ---- add zucchinni and summer squash:
http://foodformyfamily.com/recipes/grilled-vegetables-in-easy-foil-packets
Chicken orzo salad: THIS IS AMAZING.
Grow an avocado tree:
http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2009/09/09/how-to-grow-an-avocado-tree-from-an-avocado-pit/